Jenny Ashcroft’s Under the Golden Sun is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, a breathtaking historical novel filled with love, resilience, and the beauty of second chances. From the moment we meet Rose Hamilton, a young woman searching for purpose, we’re swept away on an unforgettable journey from war-torn England to the sun-drenched landscapes of Australia. Tasked with escorting young orphan Walter to his family, Rose embarks on an adventure that reshapes her understanding of love and belonging. Walter, with his heartbreaking past, is more than just a child in her care—their bond is deeply moving. The novel beautifully captures their shared sorrows and joys, as well as the rich customs and […]
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Ambitious WWII Novel Falls Short of Its Potential
M.B. Henry’s All the Lights Above Us aims to capture the chaos and courage of D-Day through the perspectives of five women from vastly different backgrounds. The novel gives a unique take on the historic invasion by focusing on a single day, June 6, 1944, but ultimately, it falls short of being a standout in the crowded WWII historical fiction genre. The premise is intriguing: a Nazi propagandist questioning her choices, a resistance fighter seeking her parents, a Gestapo officer planning betrayal, a medical volunteer overwhelmed by casualties, and a British woman forced to house enemy soldiers. Their experiences highlight the vast reach of the war and the moral dilemmas […]
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A Smart, Tense Espionage Thriller with a Fierce MI5 Operative
British author Henry Porter delivers a gripping spy thriller with The Enigma Girl, proving why he’s considered a worthy successor to John le Carré. The novel introduces Slim Parsons, a disgraced MI5 agent who’s as sharp as she is dangerous. After a botched deep-cover operation leaves her with a target on her back, she’s reluctantly pulled back in to infiltrate an investigative news site. What starts as a routine job soon turns into a tangled web of political intrigue, cyber threats, and old enemies resurfacing with a vengeance. Tension, layered subplots, and sharp character work fill the novel. Slim is an exceptional lead: smart, resourceful, and unafraid to challenge authority. […]
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Adventures, Assassins, and Adrenaline in We Solve Murders
Richard Osman has done it again! We Solve Murders kicks off a brand-new series featuring an unlikely detective duo: retired police officer Steve Wheeler and his adrenaline-junkie daughter-in-law, Amy. Packed with humor, heart, and a fast-paced plot, this book will keep you hooked. Steve is living his best low-key life in a quiet English village with his cat, Trouble, and pub quiz nights. Amy, meanwhile, is in chaos, working as a bodyguard for best-selling author Rosie D’Antonio, whose latest novel has ticked off some dangerous people. When a murder frame-up puts Amy in the crosshairs, she calls on Steve for help. Cue a high-stakes, globetrotting adventure with Steve, Amy, and […]
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A Magical Journey of Love, Loss, and Connection
The Lost Bookshop is a heartwarming blend of mystery, historical fiction, and contemporary storytelling, woven together through a magical bookshop brimming with secrets. The novel follows three storylines: In 1921, Opaline defies societal norms by escaping a forced marriage and finding refuge at a bookstore in Paris. In the present, Martha rebuilds her life after fleeing an abusive marriage, and Henry searches for a missing manuscript tied to the enigmatic bookshop. At its heart, the story centers on a hidden bookshop that transcends time and space, offering solace and second chances. Woods’ vivid descriptions bring the settings to life, from Dublin to Paris, and the bookshop itself, with its dusty […]
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The Resilience of Women and Books in The Underground Library
In The Underground Library, Jennifer Ryan masterfully captures the enduring strength of women and the profound power of books during one of history’s darkest times. Set against the backdrop of the Blitz, the story intertwines the lives of three resilient women: Sofie, a Jewish refugee seeking solace from her tragic escape; Juliet, a determined new deputy librarian fighting to transform the quiet Bethnal Green Library into a sanctuary; and Katie, a young woman grappling with personal loss and a life-altering secret. When bombs threaten to reduce their beloved library to rubble, Juliet bravely moves it to the Bethnal Green Underground Station. Here, amid air raids and uncertainty, books offer a […]
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A Novel About the Power of Books
3.5 rounded up to 4 If you love the smell of old books and the worlds they unlock, The Bookbinder will resonate with you. Set in 1914 Oxford, the novel follows 21-year-old twins, Peggy and Maude, who work at the Oxford University Press bindery. Peggy, captivated by the books she binds, longs for an education beyond her reach as a working-class woman. Meanwhile, Maude, who is developmentally disabled, finds contentment in their simple life, leaving Peggy to shoulder the responsibility for her sister. As World War I looms, women keep the nation running while men fight. Williams weaves historical detail with themes of class, gender, and literature’s transformative power. Peggy’s […]
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A Cozy Whodunit with a Dash of Nostalgia
3.5 stars. Murder at Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge is a cozy mystery set in the English countryside. The story follows Phyllida Bright, the housekeeper for the famous author Agatha Christie. Phyllida is loyal to and protective of Christie, who is as much a friend as an employer. When a dead body is discovered during a house party at the home of Agatha and her husband Max Mallowan, Phyllida leads the charge to solve the murder, using her keen observation skills and knowledge gleaned from Christie’s novels. The atmospheric setting captures the essence of a grand manor house with a cast of intriguing characters. Phyllida’s interactions with the staff and […]
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A Tale of Mystery and Enchantment
As a follower of Christ, Patti Callahan Henry understands our purpose and the promise of eternity in Heaven. Viewing The Secret Book of Flora Lea through this lens enhances its power. In this mesmerizing novel, Hazel Linden’s world is upended when she discovers a rare book revealing long-held secrets about her missing sister, Flora. The story begins in 1939, with fourteen-year-old Hazel and her five-year-old sister, Flora, evacuated to the English countryside during World War II. The sisters find solace with Bridie Aberdeen and her son, Harry, in a village along the River Thames. Hazel creates Whisperwood, a magical fairy tale world, to distract Flora from the war. But their […]
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Breaking Barriers in 19th-Century Medicine
The Girl in His Shadow is a fascinating historical novel set in 19th-century London. The story is about Nora Beady, an orphan raised by the brilliant and eccentric Dr. Horace Croft after her parents died during a cholera outbreak. Unlike other young women of the time, Nora is trained in suturing and anatomical illustrations, rather than embroidery, defying societal norms that restrict women from practicing medicine. Nora secretly assists Dr. Croft with surgeries and medical research, honing her skills and expanding her knowledge. Dr. Daniel Gibson, a charming and ambitious young doctor, threatens to expose Nora’s hidden talents. As Nora navigates the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, she […]
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